# Family planning after transplantation: sex- and organ-related differences in the perception of medical counseling and social challenges

## TL;DR

This study explores how transplant patients, especially women, perceive medical counseling and social challenges related to family planning after receiving a visceral or thoracic organ transplant.

## Contribution

The study identifies sex- and organ-specific differences in family planning counseling needs and highlights gaps in contraceptive and reproductive advice for transplant recipients.

## Key findings

- Female participants expressed a stronger desire for children and greater concern about pregnancy risks compared to males.
- A significant proportion of both men and women reported not receiving adequate contraceptive counseling.
- Women, especially thoracic organ recipients, showed higher awareness of pregnancy-related risks and a stronger desire to plan pregnancies in advance.

## Abstract

Transplant patients are increasingly of childbearing age. Organ-related health as well as pregnancy-related risks require a standardized approach to family planning counseling. The aim of this study was to explore sex- and organ-related counseling differences and expectations in family planning to improve counseling services and reduce risks after transplantation.

The study was designed as a cross-sectional, multi-center cohort study. A total of 251 participants aged between 18 and 45 years with a visceral or thoracic transplant completed a questionnaire on their attitude toward family planning and experience with medical consultation.

More female than male participants had a desire to have children. Males believed their transplantation-related medication had an influence on their fertility, while women worried it could harm their child. Contraceptive counseling was negated by 43.6% of the women and 73.4% of the men. Medical advice regarding family planning was highly requested by both sexes. Women felt more influenced in their family planning than men. Female thoracic organ recipients worried about a pregnancy more than visceral organ recipients. Women showed great awareness for pregnancy-related risks with the majority wanting to plan a pregnancy beforehand.

The findings revealed a lack of contraceptive counseling and a lack of family planning advice by physicians.